OBNINSK, RUSSIA -
An abandoned baby was saved from a certain freezing death because of a stray cat that is now being hailed as a hero.

According to the New York Post, Masha, a long-haired tabby, climbed inside a box discarded at the entrance of an apartment block in Russia and discovered a baby boy. Instead of being scared away, she stayed with the baby, keeping him warm. Health officials believe the baby had been left outside for a few hours on a day when temperatures were several degrees centigrade below zero.

“She is very placid and friendly, so when I heard her meowing, I thought that perhaps she had injured herself. Normally she would have come and said hello to me. You can imagine my shock when I saw her lying in a box next to a baby.”

Lavora believes Masha's motherly instincts took over and the cat took care of the baby as her own. The child was rushed to a hospital and doctors say he is doing just fine. As for Masha, she's being pampered by residents.

“Everyone in the block is very proud of her,” Lavora said. “We have all spoiled her rotten by giving her her favorite food.”